German Public Health Insurance 2026:
Switch Insurers & Save up to 500€
The average additional contribution rises to 2.5% in 2026. Find out which insurers are cheaper and how you can save several hundred euros per year by switching.
Key Takeaways
- 1.The average additional contribution rises to 2.5% in 2026 - some insurers charge up to 3.5%
- 2.The cheapest insurers only charge 1.55% - thats almost 1% less
- 3.With every contribution increase you have a special termination right
- 4.Switching insurers is easy - no health check, no rejection possible
GKV Additional Contribution 2026: The Current Situation
The additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag) is set individually by each statutory health insurer and is added to the general contribution rate of 14.6%. In 2026, the average additional contribution is 2.5% - a significant increase compared to previous years.
Development of the Additional Contribution
| Year | Ø Additional Contribution | At 4,000€ Gross |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1.6% | approx. 85 €/month |
| 2024 | 1.7% | approx. 92 €/month |
| 2025 | 2.5% | approx. 108 €/month |
| 2026 | 2.5-3.5% | approx. 108-150 €/month |
The Cheapest Health Insurers 2026
BKK firmus
Cheapest nationwide insurer
hkk
Good service, many extras
BKK Gildemeister Seidensticker
Solid benefits
IKK classic
Many local offices
TK - Techniker Krankenkasse
Best service rating
How to Switch Your Health Insurer
Choose new insurer
Compare additional contributions and benefits. Look for bonus programs and optional tariffs.
Apply for membership
Apply for membership with the new insurer. This can be done online in just a few minutes.
Automatic cancellation
The new insurer cancels your old insurance for you. You dont have to do anything.
Switch at month end
After the notice period (2 months), you seamlessly switch to the new insurer.
Special Termination Right on Contribution Increase
What you need to know:
- ✓With every contribution increase you have a special termination right
- ✓The termination must be made by the end of the month in which the increase takes effect
- ✓The switch then takes place two months later
- ✓The 12-month binding period does not apply in case of contribution increases
Compare Health Insurers Now
Find the cheapest health insurer for your situation. Free, non-binding and without health check.
Transparency notice: We receive a commission if you conclude a contract. This does not affect our recommendations. The comparison is free and non-binding for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Switching
What is the additional contribution (Zusatzbeitrag)?
The additional contribution is the individual rate that each health insurer charges on top of the general contribution rate of 14.6%. It is shared equally between employee and employer.
How can I switch my health insurer?
You can switch your health insurer after 12 months of membership. In case of a contribution increase, you have a special termination right. The termination is done in writing with 2 months notice. The new insurer handles all formalities.
How much can I save by switching?
With a gross income of 4,000€ and a 0.5% difference in additional contribution, you save approx. 240€ per year. With a 1% difference, its already 480€ annually.
What happens to my benefits when switching?
The legally required benefits are the same for all insurers. You dont lose any basic benefits. Differences only exist in additional services like bonus programs or optional tariffs.
Can a health insurer reject me?
No. Public health insurers have a legal obligation to accept everyone. There is no health check and no rejection possible.
Conclusion: Now is the Best Time to Switch
With the rising additional contribution in 2026, switching health insurers is more worthwhile than ever. Since all statutory insurers offer the same basic benefits, you lose nothing by switching - but save several hundred euros per year.
Note: This article was carefully researched and does not constitute individual advice. The stated contribution rates may change. Current values can be found on the websites of the respective health insurers.
Last updated: January 2026